Shot film review: CALL GIRL (2014 short film) Laurence R Harvey, Jill Sixx Gevargizian, Tristan Risk

Another short film arrived this week, once again only 6 minutes long, but eagerly awaited, and well worth a watch!
Funded via Kickstarter last year, Call Girl sees Laurence R. Harvey (The Human Centipede 2) hiring a hooker Mitzy (Tristan Risk, American Mary) for a night of fun. Only he has hooked up some friends to watch the action via a webcam link. It's fair to say, it's not the night that the professional lady had in mind.

The debut film from director Jill Sixx Gevargizian, the whole film is shot from the webcam's POV, the image given a wide-angle fisheye look which exaggerates Harvey's unique appearance to grotesque proportions. Here he plays Ed, an excitable but genial host for the lovely (and paid for) Mitzy; the pair's awkward first meeting feeling embarrassingly accurate. With such a short time to get the message across, this was vital, and certainly does the job. Both actors are great, and more directors should send work Harvey's way, but not just the psychopath roles; he seems to have a lot to give.

Despite the simple mise-en-scène, it works because you are a fixed observer. A willing one, who is eager to enjoy a show being put on by Ed. It also makes us complicit to his actions, cheering him on, while all the time feeling like someone who has sneaked into a peep show and is hoping not to be seen.
The premise of seeing all the action through an internet stream is one which no doubt will be used again in films to come, as things like Skype and FaceTime have taken over from the old MSN/Yahoo webcam chats. And while there is an attempt at re-creating that "internet lag" you often get on the streams, it's not too annoying nor overdone, and Jill Sixx avoids going overboard on any effects to make it look too glitchy (like they did in V/H/S).

Jill raised over $5,000 on Kickstarter for the film, and being one of the 60 donators, I must say I was happy with the result and think she has made a great little film, which will hopefully serve as a foot in the door for future work. At such a short running time, however, you may end up wanting more.
Keep an eye open for festival screenings over the coming year.
8 out of 10

Short film review: DONE IN (2014) Guy Henry -directed by Adam Stephen Kelly

Reviewing short films is a difficult task; especially when the film in question runs for only 8 minutes. However, with Adam Stephen Kelly's Done In an extra difficult element is brought into play: how much do you give away of the plot without completely spoiling it for the viewer?

The basis of the film is a man (Holby City's Guy Henry - but who was also under the makeup as Dr. Terror/Walpurgis for BBC2's early '90s horror film season) writing a suicide note. He explains how is life is not worth living following the death of his wife.
It's a very eloquent and poetic note, narrated by Henry with a sultry, soothing, voice reminiscent of John Hurt. It's a heartbreaking feeling of a man whose loss is crushing him daily. Needless to say, there is somewhat of a sting in the tale.

Assuredly directed, beautifully written and with an imposing score, it's a brilliant example of less is more. Kelly is a talent to what out for in the future, that's for sure.
Done In is the latest production from Dark Arts Films, whose first feature Dead of the Nite was released last year, and will not doubt go down very well on the festival circuit where short films are more readily embraced, so if you get the chance do go and check it out.

UPDATE: The official poster has now been revealed (and updated above) - and 'The Geek' gets its first poster mention!

9 out of 10